Wales businesses angry at affect of BBC filming in town

You might think its glitz and glam when the lights camera and action come to town but there is a side affect of Penarth being picked as a hotspot location for filming – an adverse hit to trade.

That’s according to some businesses in the town who are angry about the latest round of filming to come to the centre of town, with many of the parking spaces to be used up.

One store which has spoken out is the hugely popular Windsor Fruit Store in the Windsor Arcade.

Owner Patricia Lenthall wrote an impassioned message on Facebook saying businesses can be adversely affected by filming with no compensation offered.

On Facebook, Windsor Fruit Stores wrote: “Every time they (filming crews) are here all of us small businesses within the town that work really hard all year round to keep the town going - are financially affected dramatically with no compensation offered.”

It’s understood the BBC, who refused to comment on the situation, are taking up multiple parking spaces on Ludlow Lane and the surrounding streets.

One business Lily Pad Florists, responded to Windsor Fruit Stores post saying they will close during filming as last time the BBC were in town they only made £26.

Vale Council argue the overall impact on the area is positive with a boost in tourism, however Ms Lenthall argues differently.

“We do not see any positive in it whatsoever, even with Doctor Who,” said Ms Lenthall. “It might be good for Barry with Gavin and Stacey because that brings tourist, but it makes no difference what is being filmed. No one even knows what is being filmed.”

She also complained that businesses get little to no notice when a film crew suddenly moves in.

Windsor fruit store is angry that parking spaces are being taken up for filming (Image: Newsquest)

Businesses say the filming takes vital trade away from the town (Image: Newsquest)

Death Valley is one of the shows regularly filmed in Penarth (Image: Newsquest)

Actor Timothy Spall spotted in town (Image: Newsquest)

A Vale Council spokesperson highlighted the positives of film crews being allowed to film in Penarth ad even went on to say it is a valuable source of revenue for council finances.

 “While film crews can cause some disruption, we hope that overall they have a positive impact on the areas they visit and the Vale as a whole,” said the spokesperson.

“Featuring Vale locations on TV and in film attracts tourists, boosting local hotels, shops and restaurants, while these businesses also benefit from the trade film crews provide during their stay.

“Such activity raises the profile of the places featured, encouraging future investment, and the productions themselves create job opportunities for local people, who also have the chance to develop specialist skills.

“At a time when council budgets are being squeezed tighter than ever before by reduced funding and high costs, this is an important income stream that helps fund future marketing and promotion of the Vale as a destination for tourists.”

For Ms Lanthall, this doesn’t wash, and she has called on the council to say no to the BBC and start supporting town shops.

“The BBC get their money for filming, the council get money from BBC and business rates from us,” added Ms Lenthall in her Facebook message.

“The rest of us small businesses that are here are out of pocket and it’s really unfair they (film crews) take up parking spaces all day.

“The council need to support us by saying NO to the BBC and get them to pay for building their own set in a field that doesn’t affect anyone’s livelihood.”

What do you think? Positive of negative that Penarth is such a hotspot for filming? Let us know in comments, on our Facebook page, or email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.

Got a story in Penarth? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.